What’s on in the Lake District: July 2019

Discover the Vikings, the Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

The Vikings are back and they’re taking over Whitehaven this summer, where at the Beacon Museum the temporary exhibition space will be home to “Discover The Vikings”. This touring exhibition features various artefacts and replica items from the Viking era, giving visitors a chance to explore part of our ancient history.

In this exhibition, visitors can see a replica Viking boat ready for burial or go inside a Viking tent and see what life was like for these mighty warriors. Explore Norse mythology through digital displays and items that are over 1,000 years old.

• Date: Daily throughout July (closed Mondays during term time)
• Time: 10am to 4.30pm (11am to 4pm Sundays)
• Cost: Normal admission rates apply, Adults £6.50, Children £3.25
• Tickets / More information: thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk

Lego & More at the Rheged Centre, Penrith

This July the Rheged Centre is taking on a Lego theme. Brick Science is the centre’s very own Lego Lab, taking over the exhibition space at the centre during July and August. The exhibition has plenty of activities to try, covering six different science themes, including space, force, and biology, with lots of Lego bricks to play with along the way. During the exhibition, the centre will be showing the first Lego Movie in the cinema, and combined tickets are available. The exhibition runs from Friday 12th July until Sunday 1st September.

To accompany the exhibition, the centre has a series of workshops beginning at the end of July to coincide with the school summer holidays. On Monday, 22nd July, Makocreate will be hosting a number of workshops that cover coding, game design, robotics, and animation, with some using Lego bricks. These workshops all cost £20 per child and are ideal for children aged 8 and above. Furthermore, The Brick Guys, winners of the Channel 4 show, Lego Masters will be hosting interactive workshops on the 29th July with a STEM theme.

The centre is also offering a number of non-Lego related activities during the first week of the school summer holidays, including a slime workshop, a Canadian Canoe building workshop, and an interactive animal encounters session. Plus, there will be the usual film screenings, soft play, outdoor play, and pottery painting studio available throughout.

• Date: From Friday 12th July, 2019
• Time: Centre opens daily from 9am; Workshop times vary
• Cost: Entry to Rheged is free but the Brick Science exhibition costs £4 per person; Workshop/Activity prices vary
• Tickets / More information: rheged.com

July at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Keswick’s lakeside theatre continues with its summer programme of events this month. There are a number of shows to choose from, covering everything from comedy to politics, including:

• My Mother Never Said I Should is a powerful drama concerning the lives of four women from one family over a 40 year period that sees significant social change.
• The Ladykillers is a classic British comedy featuring the sweet Mrs Wilberforce who takes on a gang of criminals.
• The Children is an intriguing tale featuring nuclear scientists with a terrible secret.
• The Rise Of Little Voice is the stage performance of the well-known bittersweet tale of Little Voice that has also been an award winning film.
• Origins: How The Earth Made Us is a talk by astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell about how the geology of the planet has shaped human civilisation.
• The Price Of Silence explores the rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar.

Shows take place on various dates throughout July, each with different timing and costs. Please visit the official Theatre by the Lake website for more detailed information.

July at Lowther Castle, Near Penrith

Lowther Castle is hosting a number of events within its grounds this month. On the 5th July accomplished violinist Chloë Hanslip, who trained at the Menuhin School in Surrey, will be performing a violin recital in the castle’s sculpture gallery. The evening will begin with a light supper and end with drinks in the Parterre Tapestry Garden. Tickets cost £25 for the concert and welcome drink, or £45 for the concert, welcome drink, and two course meal.

On the 18th July the castle continues with its programme of garden tours, this time focusing on the summer flowers that can be found in the Parterre Tapestry Garden. The tour will include a question and answer session in the café and costs £20 which includes entry to the castle and gardens.

At the end of the month the castle is hosting two outdoor family theatre performances. The first takes place on the 20th July and is a performance of Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves. This is a charity event that will include a charity auction and following the show there will be pizza and a bar. On Monday 29th July there will be a performance of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny, and again, pizza and a bar will be available. For both of these events the ticket price includes entry to the castle and gardens during the day.

Visit the official Lowther Castle site for details on dates, timing and costs.

The Langdale Pikes Guided Walk with Mountain Walks

The Langdale Pikes are probably the most iconic and recognisable summits in the Lake District, but many people might be put off from trying to reach the top thanks to the distance and height involved. This July, you can join a guided walk that will take in seven peaks that includes all of the Langdale pikes, with stunning views throughout the day.

The walk will start at the Stickle Barn car park in the Langdale Valley and will cover around 8-miles with over 1000 metres of ascent. You will need to be able to walk for around 8 hours to complete this challenge, and there are two dates available in July.

• Date: Friday, 5th July & Saturday, 27th July, 2019
• Time: Meeting time is 8.45am and the walk is likely to take 8 hours
• Cost: £35 per person
• Tickets / More information: mountain-walks.co.uk/lake-district/great-langdale

Mark Watson, the Old Fire Station, Carlisle

Comedian, Mark Watson, has made numerous appearances on TV panel shows and even spent some time with Bear Grylls on Celebrity Island, as well as performing several times at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he became known for his 24-hour long shows. He is currently on tour and bringing his new show to Carlisle this July, where he will talk about empathy and understanding other people around us in his unique fast paced style.

• Date: Friday, 5th July, 2019
• Time: Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm
• Cost: £19 per person
• Tickets / More information: oldfirestation.carlisle.city/whats-on/mark-watson

EskFest, the Woolpack Inn, Eskdale Valley

EskFest returns this July, once again filling the idyllic Eskdale Valley with the sounds of some fantastic upcoming talent in the UK music industry. Now in its fourth year, the festival has remained true to its original purpose of bringing great music to an intimate setting, despite being a sell out success in previous years. This year’s headline acts are Smoove & Turrell, a funk and soul group from Newcastle, and King No One, an indie group hailing from York.

The line up also features dozens of undiscovered talent, as well as comedy performances, workshops, a silent disco, film screenings, relaxation areas, children’s entertainment, and much more. Plus, there will be some fantastic food and drink available to buy, including ice cream and cocktails. Weekend tickets with or without camping, as well as day tickets are available.

• Date: Thursday, 4th through Sunday, 7th July, 2019
• Time: TBC
• Cost: Adults £10 - £65, Children £5 - £45
• Tickets / More information: eskfest.com/line-up

The Skelton Show, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith

The 125th Skelton Show takes place this month. The event is one of the largest village shows in the north of England with around 10,000 visitors expected to attend. The event showcases the best of Cumbrian agriculture, with plenty to see and do for the whole family.

The main showring will feature a fell pony pageant, cheerleading displays, a vintage vehicle parade, horse and cart racing, and much more. There will be live music from the Penrith Town Band, a magician, terrier racing, children’s activities and entertainment, trade stands, and crafters selling locally made gifts and goods.

• Date: Saturday, 6th July, 2019
• Time: 9am – 5pm
• Cost: Adults £12.50, Concessions £7.50, Children under 11 go free
• Tickets / More information: skeltonshow.com

Midsummer Dreaming, Low Hall the Lakes, Lorton

Handpicked Productions are an events company that specialise in pop-up events that bring together different aspects of arts and culture to provide a day of happy memories. This July they are taking over Low Hall The Lakes for one day for a family friendly mini festival that will feature live music, theatre, circus acts and workshops, and a chance to experience life in ancient Rome through games and interactive theatre. During the day, there will be craft workshops, including kite making and flower crown design. Picnics are welcome.

• Date: Saturday, 6th July, 2019
• Time: 11am – 5pm
• Cost: Adults & children aged 4+ £7, Children under 4 go free
• Tickets / More information: handpickedproductions.org/

Hay Meadows Day, Hill Top, Near Sawrey

Saturday 6th July is National Meadows Day, which is a celebration of the unique habitats that meadows provide. The land around Beatrix Potter’s former home, Hill Top, features several hay meadows that have been part of the Lake District landscape for hundreds of years.

Most traditional meadows have sadly been lost in the UK thanks to the demands of agriculture, but the National Trust has been working closely with tenant farmers in the area to conserve these special places in order to allow native wildlife to thrive. On National Meadows Day, visitors to Hill Top can find out more about these efforts with guided walks with the rangers through the hay meadows. Booking is not required.

• Date: Saturday, 6th July, 2019
• Time: Walks start at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, & 2pm and last approximately 40 minutes
• Cost: Normal admission rates apply: Adults £11.80, Children £5.90
• Tickets / More information: nationaltrust.org.uk

The KAPOW! Superhero Challenge, Cockermouth Rugby Club, Cockermouth

Have you got what it takes to take on the KAPOW! Superhero Challenge and raise money for a great cause? This July at the Cockermouth Rugby Club there will be a giant inflatable obstacle course filled with slides, tunnels, and challenging climbs.

You can take part as an individual or a group and children are welcome to attend providing they meet the height requirement of 1.2 metres and are accompanied by a participating adult. Superhero costumes are encouraged! The event will raise funds for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and in addition to the entry fee there is a minimum sponsorship amount of £50 for adults and £75 for family groups. Spectators are also welcome.

• Date: Saturday, 6th July, 2019
• Time: 10.30am – 5.30pm
• Cost: Adults £20, Children £12, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £50, Spectators £5
• Tickets / More information: hospiceathomewestcumbria.org.uk

Moorforge Viking Settlement Open Weekend, Gilcrux, Near Cockermouth

Moorforge is an educational centre near Cockermouth where visitors can learn more about life in the Viking era. It is not currently open for daily visitors as it is an ongoing development and is currently focusing on education trips for schools etc, but this July the centre is having an open weekend that anyone can attend.

There will be Viking craft displays, story-telling sessions, blacksmithing demonstrations, combat displays, and much more. This is a rare opportunity to see the work that has gone into recreating a Viking settlement.

• Date: Saturday, 6th & Sunday, 7th July, 2019
• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Cost: Free
• Tickets / More information: facebook.com/events/792192657803936

Skiddaw Guided Walk, Keswick

Skiddaw is the 6th highest mountain in England and it dominates the landscape of the northern Lake District. Overlooking Keswick, the mountain summit is 931 metres above sea level and offers extraordinary views of Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite, the Lake District fells, and out over the Solway towards Scotland.

This guided walk to the summit takes in six Wainwright fells in total, including Ullock Pike and Skiddaw Little Man. The walk begins on the western side of Skiddaw, using a quieter route away from the crowds, and will descend via Latrigg. This is a 8.5 mile long walk with over 1100 metres of ascent so a good level of fitness is required. You will meet in Keswick first and the event costs includes a bus ticket from Keswick to the start of the route.

• Date: Saturday, 6th July, 2019
• Time: Meeting 8.50am at the Keswick Bus Station
• Cost: £39 per person
• Tickets / More information: peakwalking.com/open-group-walks/skiddaw

King Pocky’s Derwent Water Regatta, Keswick

In 1781 the eccentric owner of the house on Derwent Island, Joseph Pocklington, held an event with a mock invasion of the island, followed by a grand ball. The original regattas ran for several years and were revived by the National Trust in 2014. This year, the event is taking place over two days and offers visitors the chance to try a range of water sports for a very low price.

Bookable events include Canadian canoeing, kayaking, dinghy sailing, and stand up paddle boarding. On the lake shore, there will be several family friendly free events, including outdoor games, craft activities, balance bikes, live music, and market stalls selling tasty food and drink. This year the event also includes a trail run and an outdoor swimming race.

• Date: Saturday, 6th & Sunday, 7th July, 2019
• Time: 10am – 7pm
• Cost: Free entry; Charges apply for bookable water sports and trail run / swimming race entry
• Tickets / More information: nationaltrust.org.uk/borrowdale-and-derwent-water

WellFest 2019, Westmorland County Showground, Near Kendal

Health and wellbeing festival, WellFest, will return for the second time, led by Emma Grunnill, a personal trainer based in Kirkby Lonsdale. The first year was a sell out success, and this year the festival has moved to the Westmorland Showground to enable more guests to attend.

The event will feature local health and fitness experts who will offer sessions, such as yoga, pilates, boxercise, meditation, bootcamp, Zumba, and much more. In addition, festival attendees will have the chance to sample a variety of healthy treats from local food and drink brands who specialise in healthy foods and drink. There will be guest speakers and free taster sessions in activities such as sports massage.

• Date: Sunday, 7th July, 2019
• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Cost: General admission tickets cost £15, and guests can pre-book individual classes for £5.50 each
• Tickets / More information: emmagrunnill.co.uk/wellfest

Cumbria Auto Show, Borderway Exhibition Hall, Carlisle

The Cumbria Auto Show returns to Carlisle this month, with over 900 cars on show, including classic cars and super sports cars, with a number of awards up for grabs. There is something for everyone at this event, including a giant Scalextric track, several traders offering some great deals on products, and a children’s area offering a range of activities. Hot food and refreshments will also be available.

• Date: Sunday, 7th July, 2019
• Time: 11am – 3.30pm
• Cost: Adults £6 (advance) / £8 (on the door); Children under 16 go free
• Tickets / More information: auto-show.co.uk/cumbria-auto-show

Summer Events at Wordsworth House, Cockermouth

William Wordsworth’s childhood home in Cockermouth has a range of events taking place this July. On Sundays throughout July and August, visitors are invited to try pastimes from the past, with a number of historic games to try, including snip snap snorum, skittles, or Cumbrian counting.

On Thursday, 4th July, the house will be open in the evening for a chance to try an evening stroll around the garden. On the 22nd & 29th of July, visitors can decorate pebbles to tell a personal story, whilst on the 23rd & 30th of July there is the opportunity to try and make a traditional Cumbrian clapbread. Finally, on the 25th of July, visitors can join a costumed servant on a tour of the garden.

• Date: Various dates in July
• Time: Event times vary; House open 11am – 5pm Saturday through Thursday
• Cost: Normal admission rates apply: Adults £8.30, Children £4.15
• Tickets / More information: nationaltrust.org.uk/wordsworth-house-and-garden

Retro Rendevous, Ulverston Town Centre

Retro Rendevous is all about nostalgia. This fun and lively festival takes place in the centre of Ulverston and features displays of classic cars and motorbikes, live music performances that include tribute acts of some of pop’s classic heroes, vintage markets and fabulous food.

One highlight is the Velo Retro, featuring an 84km bike ride where only vintage steel bikes with no index gears and no clip in pedals are permitted. Entry to the market is free, but tickets are required for some of the live music events.

• Date: Friday, 12th – Sunday, 14th July, 2019
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Varies
• Tickets / More information: retrorendezvous.co.uk

Team Evie’s Family Ramble, Buttermere

Team Evie are a Cumbrian charity that provide support to families with sick children in hospital. This July, they are hosting a fundraising event that the whole family can get involved with. The Family Ramble is a 4.5 circular walk around Buttermere, suitable for children of all ages (though it is not pushchair friendly). All participants will receive a map of the route on arrival which notes several stopping points. At each of these points there are activities to try, such as playing pooh-sticks or hunting for bugs.

All children will receive a magnifying glass to take on the walk, along with a Team Evie cap. At the end of the walk, children will receive a copy of the National Trust’s guide 50 Things To Do Before You Are 11 & ¾, as well as a voucher that gives a discount off ice cream in the Buttermere Café. As well as the entry fee, children are asked to collect sponsorship to do the walk in order to raise money for the charity.

• Date: Saturday, 13th July, 2019
• Time: Children can start any time between 9am and 2pm; Allow up to 4 hours to complete the walk
• Cost: £10 per child
• Tickets / More information: teamevie.org/event/family-ramble

Furness Tradition Festival, Ulverston

Furness Tradition is a registered charity that aims to promote awareness of folk music traditions in Cumbria. In addition to hosting workshops and supporting budding musicians throughout the year, the charity hosts an annual festival each July in various venues across Ulverston.

The festival features a range of talented folk musicians, as well as performances by traditional story-tellers and dancing sides. Camping is also available at two locations within walking distance of the festival venues. There are several free events as part of the festival, including an opening parade and music at an outdoor stage in the town, as well as live music in several pubs. Other events require tickets and weekend passes are available.

• Date: Friday, 12th – Sunday, 14th July, 2019
• Time: 8pm Friday – 1.30pm Sunday
• Cost: Individual events from £12, Weekend passes from £45
• Tickets / More information: furnesstradition.org.uk

In the Footsteps of Wordsworth, Ullswater Information Centre, Glenridding

This is a free event that is led by both the Wordsworth Trust (from Dove Cottage) and the Lake District National Park Authority. This July, the Trust and the LDNPA are offering visitors the chance to join a guided walk that takes in some of the places that were thought to have inspired William Wordsworth, including the site of the infamous daffodils that led to the creation of I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud.

The walk will begin with a steamer boat journey from Glenridding to Aira Force. Participants will need to pay for the steam boat ride but there will be a special discount available on the day. They will then walk back from Aira Force to Glenridding along the lake shore. The walk is just under 4-miles and includes around 120-metres of ascent. Advanced booking is essential.

• Date: Saturday, 13th July, 2019
• Time: 9.40am
• Cost: Free (Steamboat fare applies)
• Tickets / More information: wordsworth.org.uk

Authentic Woman Festival, Fell Foot Wood, Newby Bridge

A weekend to celebrate strong women and sisterhood, this is a festival that is for women only. Authentic Women brings together like-minded women with the aim of casting off perceived notions of femininity and finding the true self within. The event will involve spiritual healing sessions, yoga, dancing, drumming, and cooking on a campfire.

Participants can camp in their own tents, or for an extra charge, there is some basic accommodation available, as well as bell tents to hire. The cost includes a vegetarian lunch and dinner each day, but breakfast is not included.

• Date: Friday, 13th through Monday, 15th July, 2019
• Time: 2pm Friday to 11am Monday
• Cost: £150
• Tickets / More information: facebook.com/events/294550651493916

Beginners Photography Workshop – Get off Auto, Brantwood, Coniston

This course, run by experienced photography trainers, Going Digital, is aimed at complete beginners to photography, or those who have only ever used the Auto settings on a camera. The course will cover the basics of photography to give you the confidence to try different settings, with plenty of opportunity to practice and lots of information to take home.

Topics covered include creating blurred backgrounds, shutter speeds, and composition. Cameras that can be used on this course include DSLR, Mirrorless Compact System (CSC), Four-Thirds, Bridge, Superzoom and Compact, but if you don’t have your own camera you can borrow one free of charge.

• Date: Saturday, 13th July, 2019
• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Cost: £85
• Tickets / More information: goingdigital.co.uk

Grange-Over-Sands Edwardian Festival, Park Road Garden, Grange-Over-Sands

Celebrating the Edwardian heritage of the town, this special one-day event will see around 40 stall holders setting up a traditional style market, with the stall holders in Edwardian costumes. There will be children’s entertainment, live music, and a competition for the best dressed! Edwardian costume is encouraged.

• Date: Saturday, 13th July, 2019
• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Cost: Adults £2.50, Children free
• Tickets / More information: facebook.com/events/595590704222007

Music on the Marr, Castle Carrock, Near Carlisle

Music on the Marr is a small not for profit music festival that takes over the village of Castle Carrock each summer. This year’s acts include Merry Hell, Tide Lines, and Blazin Fiddles, plus a wide range of local bands and artists, covering several music styles. In addition, the festival has a packed programme of music workshops, as well as entertainment from street performers, poets, and dancers.

There are yoga sessions, an arts market, and guided nature trails, along with a race around the local reservoir. There will be plenty of food and drink available throughout, including locally brewed ale. This is a family friendly event and children under 16 can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. Camping is available and charged for separately.

• Date: Thursday, 18th through Sunday, 21st July, 2019
• Time: TBC
• Cost: Day, evening, and weekend tickets are available, £17 - £79 per adult, Children go free
• Tickets / More information: musiconthemarr.com

Summer Beer Festival, the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley

Since 2007 the Hawkshead Brewery has held two beer festivals each year, one in the spring and one in the summer. The festivals have got bigger and better each year, offering more and more styles of beer. Not only does this festival celebrate the real ale that is produced by the Hawkshead Brewery, it’s a celebration of craft brewers from across the northern UK, showcasing as many as possible.

During this event, there will be three bars and a marquee, allowing plenty of space for visitors to explore hundreds of ales. Food will also be available throughout the day and there is live music in the evenings. Children and dogs are welcome, and best of all, it’s free to enter!

• Date: Thursday, 18th July to Saturday, 20th July, 2019
• Time: 12 noon until late
• Cost: Free entry
• Tickets / More information: hawksheadbrewery.co.uk

Alston Live

High in the hills in the east of Cumbria, Alston is a small town that hosts a family friendly music festival each summer. The festival is a celebration of different music genres, featuring local performers who will appear throughout the weekend on two different stages. The festival also has a Dub Tent, and a busker’s stage for anyone willing to demonstrate their own musical talent.

There is even a dedicated stage for children’s entertainers, as well as bouncy castles to help keep them entertained. The festival boasts of its own pub serving up real ale, plus a collection of hot food traders. Camping is available and tent camping is included in the ticket price, with the option to attend for one day or both days. Additional charges apply for caravans and motorhomes.

• Date: Friday, 19th July through Saturday, 20th July, 2019
• Time: Friday 6pm – Midnight, Saturday 11am - Midnight
• Cost: Friday only £10, Saturday only £20, Weekend £30, Under 12s go free, 13-17 years charged at half price, Caravans and motorhomes surcharge £10 per vehicle
• Tickets / More information: alstonlive.com

The Penrith Show, Brougham Hall Farm, Penrith

The Penrith Show is one of the largest agricultural shows taking place this month and aims to promote Cumbrian food and farming. There is so much to see and do, including livestock displays and judging, show jumping and other equestrian displays, vintage vehicles and machines, a rabbit show, a poultry show, a dry stone walling competition, and traditional Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling.

There will be a variety of trade stands to browse, many of which will be offering mini activities, plus crafters who will be selling some unique goods, and the show has plenty of food and drink available, including a beer tent. On the day, a free park and ride bus service will be available from Penrith.

• Date: Saturday, 20th July, 2019
• Time: TBC
• Cost: Adults £10, Children £3
• Tickets / More information: penrithshow.co.uk

Coniston Country Fair, Coniston Hall, Coniston

If you are in the Coniston area around mid July then it’s worth checking out the Coniston Country Fair. This is a traditional agricultural show with a Cumbrian twist. Along with the usual country show offerings of animal displays, terrier racing, and craft marquees, this show features a quirky competition of Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, plus a unique fell race that challenges competitors to run from the show field to the top of the Old Man of Coniston and back.

There will also be a dry stone walling competition and the usual trade stands and food stalls, plus plenty of activities to keep children entertained. If the weather is good, visitors will be treated to the spectacle of hang-gliders taking off from the summit of the Old Man and there will be several birds of prey in attendance, some of which may be handled.

• Date: Sunday, 21st July, 2019
• Time: 11.30am
• Cost: Adults £6, Children £3
• Tickets / More information: conistoncountryfair.co.uk

Beginners' Rock Climbing Course, Borrowdale

Led by outdoor adventure company, More Than Mountains, this one day rock course is ideal for anyone who has never tried rock climbing outside before. Taking place in the majestic Borrowdale Valley, a rock climber’s paradise, the course will cover all the basics, such as how to tie ropes correctly, different techniques to use, and abseiling.

You will be given the option to try different grades of climb and all equipment will be provided. Spaces are limited to just six people and the course will go ahead in any weather. This course is for over 18s only.

• Date: Saturday, 20th July, 2019
• Time: 9.30am
• Cost: £50 per person
• Tickets / More information: morethanmountains.co.uk

Aspatria Music Festival

Held in the grounds of the Aspatria RUFC that is located around half way between Carlisle and Cockermouth, the Aspatria Music Festival is a not for profit event that raises money for charity. This year’s line up features a host of tribute acts, including MAD4IT (Oasis), Live Wire (AC/DC), and Darkside (Pink Floyd), as well as A Million Dreams who will be performing songs from the Greatest Showman. In addition, there will be a number of local bands on stage, and plenty of food and drink available to buy.

• Date: Saturday, 20th July & Sunday, 21st July, 2019
• Time: 12 noon until late
• Cost: Saturday only £25, Sunday only £15, Weekend pass £35
• Tickets / More information: aspatriamusicfestival.co.uk

HonisterFest, Honister Mine, Near Keswick

High in the fells between Buttermere and Keswick, HonisterFest is a truly unique experience. This one-day event raises money for charity and includes a range of activities that will challenge your endurance, with a chance to relax and dance the night away in the evening. The event starts in the afternoon with the Grueller Climb, a cycling time trial that will push your legs to the limit. There will then be an 8KM fell run that takes on three summits: Dale Head, Fleetwith, and Grey Knott. The race will also include a section with the mine itself, with headtorches required.

Finally, teams of four will be able to compete in the Honister Team Challenge that includes pulling a Landrover Defender, taking a plunge into a pool, throwing a miner’s clog, and a surprise challenge, with prizes available for the winning team. In the evening, there will be a Slate Shindig, with performances from two bands and a locally sourced hog roast. Also available throughout the event are massage and holistic therapies. Parking is limited and will be charged at £7.50 per car. Additional bus services will be available. Overnight campervan spaces are available for £15 per vehicle and must be booked in advance.

• Date: Saturday, 20th July, 2019
• Time: 12 noon til late
• Cost: The Grueller & Slate Shindig £35 per person, Fell Run £25 per person (£35 to include Slate Shindig), Honister Team Challenge £20 per team, Slate Shindig £25 (advance) / £35 (on the door) – includes hog roast and one free beer / soft drink, Therapies cost £10 - £15
• Tickets / More information: honister.com

Nichol End Marine Open Weekend, Derwent Water, Portinscale

The Nichol End Marine is once again hosting a summer open weekend, where visitors can sign up for a free taster session in sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, or canoeing. In addition, boats will be available to hire and the first hour of hire will be free.

The café will be open as usual, selling the giant scones that are famous here in Cumbria. Full details, including how to sign up for a taster session, are still to be confirmed, so keep checking the event’s Facebook listing for more information.

• Date: Saturday, 20th July & Sunday, 21st July, 2019
• Time: 9am – 8pm
• Cost: Free
• Tickets / More information: facebook.com/events/663979857406339

Beginners’ Sailing Sessions at Wray Castle, Near Ambleside

This summer, Wray Castle have joined forces with the Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre in order to provide some fun sailing taster sessions on the lake. Using traditional sailing boats, visitors will be able to join a team of sailors to navigate around Windermere. There are two boats available.

One is aimed at families with younger children (under 7) where adults can join in the fun (adults with older children who wish to join in can also use this boat), and the second is aimed at children aged 7 and up with parents who are happy to remain on the shore. Each session will involve around an hour of sailing, and advanced booking is essential. Buoyancy aids will be provided.

• Date: 23rd, 25th, 26th, & 30th July, 2019 (plus additional dates in August)
• Time: Timed slots available between 9.30am and 3pm
• Cost: Adults £6, Children £12
• Tickets / More information: nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle

Canoeing on Wastwater with West Lakes Adventure

West Lakes Adventure are offering families and individuals the opportunity to try canoeing this summer on England’s deepest lake. The three-hour sessions will take place at Wastwater and will provide an opportunity to get a taste of canoeing.

The sessions will be led by experienced instructors and will include a journey on the lake and some games. They are open to anyone aged 6 and above, but under 16s must be accompanied by a participating adult. Advanced booking is required.

• Date: 22nd, 24th, 27th, 29th, 31st July, 2019
• Time: 2pm – 5pm
• Cost: £30 per person
• Tickets / More information: westlakesadventure.co.uk/activities/canoeing

Ambleside Sports, Rydal Park, Near Ambleside

There is a long history of sporting events in Ambleside dating back to the 17th century, but the first official Ambleside Sports took place in 1886. The event was established in its current form in 1946 and today it’s a very popular event that celebrates traditional Cumbrian sports, including the quirky Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.

Other events on the day include fell races, hound trails, cycling events, and track races that include those for children. In addition, there will be several trade stands selling gifts and various crafted goods, as well as food and drink stalls. The event will also feature children’s rides and a climbing wall.

• Date: Thursday, 25th July, 2019
• Time: Gates open 10am (First event 12 noon)
• Cost: Adults £7 (under 12s free if accompanied), Youths 12-17 £3, Cars £3
• Tickets / More information: amblesidesports.co.uk

The Cumbria Steam Gathering, Cark Airfield, Near Grange-Over-Sands

The annual Cumbria Steam Gathering returns this July, offering a celebration of machines and vehicles from a bygone era. The main arena will be the site of something a little different this year, as instead of stunt vehicle displays visitors will be treated to the spectacle of racing camels. There will be hundreds of vintage vehicles on display, including cars, tractors, and industrial farming equipment.

The festival also includes a kite flying display, live music, children’s entertainment, and a food hall selling local produce. For those who are working on their own vintage project, an autojumble sale will be available selling various parts.

• Date: Saturday, 27th & Sunday, 28th July, 2019
• Time: 9pm – 5pm
• Cost: Adults £10 advance / £12 on the day, Children £4 advance / £5 on the day.
• Tickets / More information: steamgathering.org.uk

Stealing Thunder Storytelling Festival, Bowland Bridge

With funding support from the Arts Council England, the Stealing Thunder Storytelling Festival is a brand new festival for adults and children, taking over a field on the edge of the south Lakeland village, Bowland Bridge. Stealing Thunder are a story-telling group and stories will form the heart of the festival, with fairy-tales, myths, and legends told through puppetry, music, and more.

Grasmere’s resident story-teller, Taffy Thomas, will be regaling the festival with his wonderous tales, and there will be several other performers in attendance. During the day, the festival programme is largely suitable for children, whilst in the evening after the kids have gone to sleep in their tents, adults can gather round campfires for some spooky tales. There are also craft workshops and stalls selling hot and cold food, with camping available.

• Date: Friday, 26th through to Sunday, 28th July, 2019
• Time: 5pm Friday – 6pm Sunday
• Cost: Adults £50 (weekend with camping) / £35 (weekend without camping) / £5 (day entry + 1 show); Children 7-18 years £15 / £10 / £3; Under 7s go free
• Tickets / More information: stealingthunder.co.uk/festival-2019

Shakespeare in the Garden, the Lakes Distillery, Bassenthwaite

This July, the Lakes Distillery are offering a delightful way to spend a summer Sunday evening, with an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The show will be a musical take on the playwright’s classic, performed by the Three Inch Fools who are known for their quirky approach to Shakespeare’s works.

Audience members will need to bring picnic blankets or camping chairs and there is the option to add a picnic box to your ticket order that will include sandwiches, a pork pie, and a cake. The event will go ahead even if it is wet, so weather appropriate clothing will be required.

• Date: Sunday, 28th July, 2019
• Time: 4pm
• Cost: Adults £15, Children 12 & under £10, Children under 3 go free
• Tickets / More information: threeinchfools.com

Ulverston & North Lonsdale Agricultural Show, Lindal in Furness, Cumbria

For a taste of Cumbrian agriculture, head over to the Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show at the end of this month. This event is a traditional affair with fun for the whole family. There will be various farm animals in attendance to be judged, as well as displays from ridden horses, heavy horses, and ponies, including show jumping.

There are dog shows, vintage tractors, parades, and even a children’s pet competition. There will be trade and craft stands selling gifts and locally made items, as well as hot and cold food.

• Date: Wednesday, 31st July, 2019
• Time: 8.30am – 4pm
• Cost: Adults £8, Children £6
• Tickets / More information: ulverstonandnorthlonsdaleshow.com